Disclaimer: I own neither the rights to this story nor to its characters. I simply borrow the settings and characters you know in an effort to give this story a base in something you know and love. The only things that are mine are my own original characters and the original settings they reside in, as well as the storyline. No money is made from this, but if you didn't know all of this by now, then you simply aren't reading this, for which I wouldn't blame you…these damn things are boring.
Having to reduce herself to wearing a robe and playing hermit in her rooms for the next few days was just another point Medb had added to her 'Reasons to Kill the Crossbreed' list this morning. Under the thin slip of fabric that served as her apparel for the day, she could already feel the bandages had soaked through with her blood.
"How in the name of Cernunnus' antlers did that girl learn how to do something like that!?"
"Jareth probably taught her…" was Cyric's glib answer. Her eyes rolled his way as she gave an undignified snort. She'd meant that rhetorically, but she could always count on Cyric lately to throw in that annoying little remark you never wanted to hear.
She leaned back against the window sill as she waited for the healer to come up and change her dressings. Medb knew that she had been pouting and fuming all morning about the deep gash that ran from her right shoulder, between her breasts and down to the left side of her waist. It had been an interesting feat to dress the wounds properly without turning her into a walking mummy.
Cyric had taken a few choice moments to chuckle at her misery and she had to wonder if he wasn't starting to simply get used to the potion. He was still loyal to her, so that part of it had to still be working, but they hadn't been intimate in a while. It was strange to her that it hadn't bothered her in the least.
Until now.
Now that she couldn't make love to him if she wanted to, it enraged her that he seemed to not want to. He just sat there on the window seat and either stared out or read books all day. Like he was doing now, she mused with an irritated huff as the healer came in, his silent personae an off putting presence.
"Go to the library or something," she sniped. Medb didn't want him there to see her wounds. It was enough that the healer had to know how badly she was injured, but he wasn't about to actually SEE it. He got up from his perch by the window a bit too brusquely, it was obvious that he didn't want to see her wounds either, but was it because he didn't care or because he was squeamish? She knew that he wasn't the latter….
She simply ignored the stout little man who was already efficiently removing her bandages while his nimble, stubby little fingers kept her from going into another dizzying bout of pain. Her mind stayed locked on thoughts of what to do about dear little Cyric.
Was it time for her to simply let him go? If he wasn't doting on her anymore, even dosed, what good was he? If she did indeed decide to let him go, then she would have to ponder the bigger question…how would she dispose of him? She laced her hands behind her head as the healer asked so he could access all of her impressive wound and contemplated her options.
She could, of course, kill him herself. That might be a bit to prosaic though, she killed lackeys not those who shared her bed. Those earned at least the right of being eternally silenced by another hand. But then, was she going to kill him at all…?
He truly had proved far more useful than any of her other lovers, perhaps she would let him live for that. An accidental slip of stubby fingers hand her hissing out a vicious stream of inventive cursing.
"Watch what you're doing you dolt!" she screamed, the healer looking up at her with his usual non pulsed stoic gaze. "Healers are a dime a dozen in this kingdom!" It was a very true statement, she thought as she smacked him over the head, earning another sharp pain for the wide movement. With the ever going contest for her hand, men were hurt and killed daily…healers weren't a scarce thing in her lands. "I could replace you faster than I could kill you, so watch what you are doing!"
"Yes Your Highness." He murmured as his hands went back to work on the dressings. He finished her dressings quickly and efficiently, most likely just wanting to be rid of her company. It didn't upset her in the least, she didn't much care for his company either so the faster he worked, the faster she could kick him from her rooms.
She pulled her robe shut as the squat little healer was leaving the room Her guard was coming in the room at the same time and had to sidestep to avoid being run into by the tiny man. The disdain for the healer was apparent on his face as he sneered at him before turning to Medb with a bow.
"Your contact at the Goblin Kingdom is here to see you milady." A careless wave of her hand was Erina's admittance. When the girl walked in, Medb knew that she was going to ask a favor or…something that wasn't going to please her.
"Your Highness," she gave the honorific as she executed a demure curtsey, never taking her eyes from Medb's. This girl was getting a big head…and big heads never worked well with her.
"What do you want, Erina?" The slow smile that spread over Erina's face was enough to make Medb want to smack it right off.
"I have a great offer for you Your Grace." Medb rolled her eyes, what could this girl possibly offer her that she would care about? She lounged back in one of her great chairs and lazily circled her hand in a signal for the girl to get on with it. "I have another spy for you."
"I have no need for another spy Erina. You are enough for me to bother with." She watched as Erina's jaw set, the girl was determined.
"But she is Sarah's trusted handmaiden." Medb narrowed her eyes and the girl's choice of words.
"I thought you were also Sarah's handmaiden?" It was obvious now that Erina was getting uncomfortable as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other and wet her lips.
"I am, but my sister-"
"Your sister!?" Medb cut her off. She sighed as she looked down at the girl, raven hair falling over her face as she inclined her head again.
"Yes Your Highness." Erina stumbled for her words. "Jeaule will be quite the addition, she has earned Sarah's trust in a way that I have not. They became friends, Your Grace." Medb's eyes narrowed further, anger starting to brew.
"If she is friends with the crossbreed, how can I trust her you pathetic idiot!?" Erina cringed at her words and rightfully so, stupid fool. "She obviously knows that you are my spy in the castle…what stops her from telling the King and his little bitch about that?" Erina's eyes snapped up to hers confidence back in spades.
"I have something against her, Your Highness, she will never tell on me." That proud little chin stuck out as she continued. "She is my sister, bound to me by blood and now," she gave a wicked grin, "by blackmail as well." Medb leaned back in her chair again, contemplating. "I promise you, she will not let you down."
"If she does, it will be your head I take first, girl." Erina gulped subtly then turned and nodded to Medb's guard who left the room. When the doors opened again, Medb wanted to rip Erina from limb to limb.
The girl who entered looked rose petal soft and walked at a meek and respectful pace to her sister's side. Her shimmering hair was milky blonde of all colors and her eyes made Medb think of a docile doe grazing in a meadow, ever watchful of hunters around her.
She wasn't at all what Medb would want in a spy.
The girl looked weak and meek and, she grudgingly admitted, someone that would pass under the radar when people thought of who a spy could be. This girl would never be assumed to betray someone that was apparently her friend. Perhaps this could go her way after all.
"Why do you want to help…" Medb looked to Erina for the girls name again.
"Jeaule, Your Highness."
"Jeaule?" Medb locked the girls gaze, though it seemed the girl was almost shaking, her hands twisting over each other nervously in front of her. "Timid little mouse indeed. Why do you want to help me?"
"I want to help my sister." The answer and the speed with which it had been answered, surprised her. It interested her enough to have her leaning forward, biting her tongue at the pain that lanced through her body.
"You know that to help your sister is to help me?" That head, with all its soft and delicate features nodded to her.
"I want to protect and help my sister and this is the best way to do so, Your Highness." She watched as the girl let her hands fall to her sides and stepped forward. Perhaps not quite the timid mouse she had thought. "My sister isn't the best at being subtle, Your Grace." Medb had to smother a smirk as Erina gaped at her sister. Perhaps not the timid little mouse that you thought either, Erina. "I believe that if I don't help her, the King and his betrothed will find her out within the week." Medb wasn't convinced that was all the reason the girl had. It looked like there was something more that she wanted to say.
"What else my child…I can see your mind working." Eyes that had been intent on the floor before her a moment ago, met hers with a strength that made Medb a little uneasy.
"I want to know what you plan to do with Cyric of Dendum when you achieve your goal of having Jareth as a partner." The sheer boldness of the question had Medb laughing before she pinned Erina with a hard glare for having told the girl some of her plans. She would have to be punished for that error, but for now, this delightfully surprising girl before her with the deceptive doe eyes was far more intriguing.
"It's all about men with the two of you isn't it?" She let her tongue run over her teeth as she thought it over. It was true that she hadn't known what she was going to do with Cyric, what was the harm of simply passing him off to this girl? Truly, it would be far easier than arranging his death and FAR easier for her than simply letting him go home.
For a strong man like Cyric, she thought with a smirk, passing him on to a girl like Jeaule might be worse than killing him. He would be bored to tears for the rest of his natural years. That amused her enough to have her smiling at Jeaule and nodding her head.
"You may have him if that is your condition for helping me." This would be most amusing, most amusing indeed.
Jeaule wanted to heave a sigh of relief, but knew that wasn't something she would be able to do in Medb's company. She did however, let a smile slide gently over her features. Jeaule wanted Medb to think her forward enough, but ultimately wanted to stay the quiet girl who wouldn't get on her bad side. Her composure was about to be tested though as Medb's doors opened and Cyric walked in.
"Ah, there he is." Medb cooed, holding a hand out for Cyric, who was looking at Jeaule, his expression a bit hard to read. It was floating somewhere between wonder and confusion as to what the hell she planned to do here. She really wished she had told him more when she had spoken to him earlier. Jeaule silently rebuked herself for the oversight as Medb rested her hand on Cyric's arm. "You must meet our new friend, Cyric." His eyes roamed over her, trying to take in and decide for himself what she was up to.
"It's a pleasure to meet you miss." She demurely inclined her head. "I trust your visit here has gone well." Everyone else in the room missed the icy undertone of his voice, but not Jeaule. He wanted to know what was going on and she didn't blame him one bit.
"It's been a pleasure so far, milord." Jeaule watched Medb's eyes glow with mischief before turning to Cyric.
"She has made quite the prosperous trip today Cyric." Jeaule's breath caught in her throat. Medb was going to tell him what just happened. Oh gods…he didn't know what was going on. This was going to be bad. "We just got done making a little deal as a matter of fact." Cyric's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the insinuation in Medb's words and it took Jeaule control over every muscle in her body not to stiffen up and look like a frightened deer.
"Do tell." His voice was flat and almost cold. Jeaule could hear Erina sniggering behind her. Her body wanted her to spin around and smack her sister into silence, but her mind told her to stay still and appear nonchalant.
"Oh, why I just bartered you off to this lovely young lady." Cyric's body went stock straight as his eyes narrowed to slits of chilling ice.
"Oh really," he was furious, everyone in the room knew it, but only Medb and Erina seemed amused by it. Jeaule wanted to send her magic out to him, to calm him, but it was too risky that Medb might sense it. She had to remain silent, though it was breaking her heart to do so. "So I am reduced to a sack of grain then, Medb? To be bartered off at your leisure?" His eyes bored into Medb, who simply sat there smiling at him and looking quite amused, before spinning to Jeaule. "Well, this sack of grain doesn't feel like being part of this conversation anymore." Jeaule's heart lurched in her chest as his eyes seared into hers.
Oh gods, did he think that she had really switched sides? She should have told him more. Damn, damn, damn. There was nothing she could do now though, not until she was alone again. She had to stand, silent as a statue, as he stormed from the room, doors slamming shut behind him.
"Now, that didn't go well did it?" Medb's low laugh was rich and jovial…and enforced Jeaule's desire to bring her down. How could she do that to Cyric? She knew very well how, the woman didn't give a flying care in the world about anyone but herself.
"No I don't believe it did." Medb mistook her quiet anger for upset over Cyric's actions…all the better that she didn't have to explain why she was angry.
"Oh come, come, don't you worry yourself over how he is acting. There are…ways of making him more compliant." Jeaule's mind snapped to attention. No, it couldn't be this easy. Could it?
"Ways, Your Highness?" Though it made her ill to watch, she kept the intrigue on her face as Medb's split in a mischievous grin.
"Of course, he never really cared for me either." Jeaule feigned ignorance and brought a hand to her bosom.
"But Your Grace, he seemed so in love." The impish grin widened as she got up from her chair. Jeaule noticed with a mental smirk that she winced ever so slightly with the effort to do so. Hopefully, Sarah had given her a wound worthy of what she had done to her friend.
"Indeed he did…didn't he?" Jeaule didn't follow the woman until she was told to do so, unlike her sister, who earned a scowl for her impertinence. "I might as well give it to you now, since I don't plan on keeping him and it appears you will need it." Jeaule smiled on the outside while tears welled on the inside. Oh gods, please don't let him hate me now. Please let him understand.
"Give me what Your Grace?" Medb drew a key from the pocket of her robe. The small brass key was long and slender, topped with an intricate eternity knot. "A key…?" She didn't have to act to keep her voice filled with confusion. Jeaule had expected the love potion Medb had used on Cyric…not a damn key. What was she going to do with a stupid key?
"No," Medb laughed as she crossed the room to two heavy looking doors. "Something far better than a key, my child." Jeaule heard the key click in the lock and didn't hold back the gasp of wonder as the doors opened in front of her.
The room before them now was a kaleidoscope of colored bottles of all shapes and sizes. There were shelves, four high, all along the back wall of the little boudoir that were filled to bursting with them. Jeaule crossed to them as Medb did, fascinated by the rich jewel tones of some and the soft pastels of others. She must have a potion for everything, Jeaule thought as her fingers itched to touch the beautiful bottles glittering just beyond her reach.
She watched, anticipation setting her back straight as a pin, as Medb reached for a small frosted pink bottle on the third shelf. Its stopper was a delicately blown, glass heart that faded from the frosted pink at the bottom to crystal clear at the top. It was simply stunning. And Jeaule didn't need Medb to tell her that it was the potion she had used on Cyric all this time, but she asked anyways, because she wasn't supposed to know about all that.
"This is a very potent love potion, Jeaule." Jeaule let her mouth hang agape in wonder as her fingers lifted reverently towards the frosty glass. "I just brewed some more, so this should last you a while. If you run out…" she trailed off, tapping the glass with her long fingernails. "You had better hope you are still on my good side so I will make you more."
"I will do my best to remain on your good side, Your Majesty." Jeaule hoped that the utter disdain that she felt for the woman was masked enough for her to believe everything that was coming out of her mouth. Apparently, she would make Sarah proud, because Medb held the bottle out to her. Jeaule took the tiny glass bottle in her hands and felt its cold, frosted surface. If she hadn't known what the contents were capable of, she would have thought it beautiful, but since she did, she simply thought of the glass in her hands as a way of fixing Cyric for good.
"We must go now, Your Highness." Erina's voice was clipped and irritated. Surely she was perturbed that Jeaule had gotten a gift and she never had. Jeaule smiled to herself and curtseyed once more to Medb, vowing to wash herself thoroughly when she got home to cleanse herself of the soiled feeling she'd had since she'd first walked into Medb's room.
"Very well," Medb said to Erina in a dismissive as they left the boudoir. "Take good care of that bottle of yours, girl." Jeaule inclined her head in agreement, silently cheering that it had been as simple as that to get her hands on the potion. Erina gripped her wrist painfully as they teleported, letting her go only when they were in the safety of Jeaule's room.
"This is all working out too perfectly," Erina chuckled merrily as she spun about in the middle of Jeaule's room. Jeaule on the other hand was trying to gain her bearings, because the moment she had arrived in her rooms, she had felt Cyric's magic calling out to her. It was edged with a icy hot feeling of anger and irritation.
"What do you mean, Erina?" Jeaule tried to shake off the frightened feeling she had as she kept feeling Cyric's magic touching her, trying to call out to her. She couldn't answer him now, he would have to get the hint, because she couldn't send out her own magic, not with her sister in the room.
"I man Medb just took you in like you were a long lost daughter or something! It was amazing!" Erina giggled madly as she wrapped her arms around her sister. "I can't believe she GAVE you Cyric and the potion as well." Jeaule had a wicked thought and let a smile glide over her face.
"I guess there isn't much need for you now is there?" Erina stopped at that, narrowing her eyes and looking her sister over coolly.
"There is a need for me, because you still need Medb's favor. If you try to tell your little friends about what is going on and they stop me, she will know it was you and she will kill you." Jeaule knew that she was right, but she didn't want to admit it. It was hard to concentrate when Cyric's magic was like a constant fly on the back of her neck. Hopefully, he would be able to wait long enough for Erina to say her piece and leave. "I just think it's amazing that Medb herself is funding my plan to take Jareth from her." That caught Jeaule's attention as she set the little pink bottle down on her desk.
"What in the name of the gods are you talking about, Erina?" she asked cautiously, more nervous than ever that her sister was walking herself right into the gallows. "Medb already promised that you could have Jareth's body. Why do you have to undermine her?" Erina's nose scrunched as her lip curled in distaste.
"I don't want to be the midnight whore. I want to be his queen!" Jeaule let her head hang, she didn't have to pretend a LOT around her sister.
"You are a fool. How do you plan on that?" Jeaule almost swatted away the forceful caress of Cyric's power as her sister sat down on her bed.
"I plan to use that lovely little potion that she so conveniently handed over to you sister dear." Jeaule gasped, gripping the bottle up in her hands again. "I think we can start using it on him right away to get him to start looking my way." Jeaule shook her head.
"No Erina, that is a stupid risk and anyways, you would have to be alone with him. He doesn't allow you alone with him, everyone knows how obsessed you are with him, you will never get the chance." Erina pouted as Jeaule watched the wheels turning in her head.
"We will have to do it after Medb gets him then, when I have him alone at night. Once he is mine, he will overthrow Medb," she said with an evil grin. "Maybe even kill her." While Jeaule agreed that Medb was better dead that alive, that plan was suicide. Jeaule's mind was racing as she shrugged off another of Cyric's attempts to contact her.
She knew that she had to get to Sarah and Jareth to tell them that her plan had been successful so far. Far more successful that she had planned actually, but Erina kept talking. Her sister went on and on about the great times that they will have once everything had fallen into place for them and they had the men they wanted. She had to sit there and smile all the while feeling Cyric trying to contact her.
He wasn't getting happier either. His magic was getting more and more abrupt and instead of the warm caress that smelled of rain…now it felt like a thunderstorm. It broke her heart to have to sit there, feeling him getting more and more upset as her sister droned on and on about a past that would never happen.
Worry for her friend had Sarah wringing her hands as she waited for Jeaule to return from Medb's kingdom. The sky was darkening outside, casting an eerie glow over the Goblin Kingdom that seemed to carry a sense of calm. This was always her favorite part of the day in the Underworld, with the pinks and oranges of sunset making the view of the Goblin City quaint instead of perhaps a bit ramshackle.
Though that wasn't what her eyes were on at the moment. As one hand gripped at her injured arm unconsciously, Sarah's emerald gaze was set on where Jareth had shone her Medb's kingdom lay. Her thoughts ran back to her dream and what that woman's plans were doing to her friend, a friend who would go out of her way to never hurt a soul. It made Sarah's blood boil to think of it.
"Calm down love," Jareth soothed behind her, resting his arms on her shoulders. Sarah sighed, leaning her head back against his chest.
"How do you know when I am getting mad?" She turned her body and smiled as his forehead dipped down to rest against hers. "I didn't even say anything."
"I can sense your magic, it was all but spinning around you." Sarah felt his lips, warm and soft, against her forehead and felt the anger melting. "I think just about every person in this wing must have felt it," he joked.
"I need to get control of this Jareth, someone could get hurt if I don't." It was true, it made her sick to think of, but it was true. They both could have been killed that morning when she shredded their bed into sawdust. Her body shivered as she thought of that, Jareth dead, her dead…and all because of Medb.
"Stop it Sarah…" Jareth's voice was soft and comforting…and told her that her magic was out of control again. "I can teach you to protect your dreams, but emotional control over your powers is something you have to get used to on your own." Her eyes darted to his.
"You have to be kidding me? How am I supposed to control something that I have no idea how to control?" His lips pursed as he obviously tried to think of a way to describe it for her.
"You have to separate the two, try it with feelings of Medb." She was about to ask more questions when his hand came up, denying her even that. "You just have to get angry or sad…and then…" his brows knotted, words failing him. "Then focus on your magic and calm it." Her lower lip pouted despite her, and a restless hand slapped to her hip.
"I don't feel like taking on that puzzle just yet." Her arms wrapped around him and she rested her head on his chest, breathing in the scent of him. And it was an intoxicating smell. She didn't know if it was him or his magic, it was most likely a bit of both, that smelled of starlight and felt like an ocean breeze. "Just teach me the dream stuff."
"Very well." He sounded like he wasn't looking forward to it, but he always sounded that way before he was going to teach her anything. They worked their way to the library and he had her sit back on the sofa where she had learned most of her magic. "Drink this," he offered as he conjured her a cup of…something.
"What is it?"
"Something that will make you sleep and make me teaching you this all the easier." Sarah brought the cup to her lips and drank deeply of the nutty concoction that tasted a bit too much like tea for her tastes. What was it with these people and tea…? "Ok, now what?" she asked, slapping her hands down on her knees.
Jareth leaned back in a chair and closed his eyes, "Fall asleep." Sarah rolled her eyes and narrowly avoided saying, 'Duh.'
"Aye, aye captain," was what she opted for. It was still a bit snippy, but there was enough humor in it to bring a smirk to Jareth's lips. With a defeated sigh, Sarah lay back and closed her eyes.
And was gone.
When she opened her eyes again, she was still in the library, but not on the sofa. The lighting was different as well, slanting at a far lower angle, suggesting sunset when she knew it to be mid afternoon. Her brow knit as she tried to think of what Jareth was getting at with this foolishness.
That was when she felt it…the sudden prickling along her neck. It had been what she'd felt when Medb had shone up in her dream, though she hadn't recognized it then. Was that something she was supposed to be feeling for? Was that the signal that someone was invading the privacy of her dreams?
She heard clapping coming from behind shelves across the library and then his voice, "Very good Sarah." He stepped out from his concealed spot on the other side of the library, a small half smile on his face. She grinned, wide and proud that he she had obviously done as she was supposed to. "But," he started, causing her smile to flip into a pout.
"There is always a but with you isn't there?" Jareth sat in the chair she knew him to be sleeping in outside of the dream. In that easy, graceful way of his, he draped a leg over one of its arms, signaling to her that he was nearing boredom and she needed to do something else to keep his attention on the course at hand.
"Of course, love…when it's yours." She rolled her eyes at the corny pun as he merely smiled at her, but something wasn't right. Why was he so casually corny? He was never casually corny. He was trying to distract her from something. "Again, well done. Never let an intruder distract you for a moment."
"How did you know that I knew…?" That liquid smile spread over his face again.
"Because I know you Sarah, we are linked remember? That's why teaching you is so much easier for me." He stood and walked over the grand fireplace that dominated the wall in front of the sofa that she knew herself to be asleep on. "Now, protect yourself without hurting me."
"How-" she barely got the word out when she felt his magic push her, knocking her on her butt. "Well, damn it. Let me get my bearings," she snapped as she heaved herself back to her feet, only to be sent to her rump again with another snap of his power.
"Medb won't give you time, protect yourself Sarah." She stood again and again she felt his power shove at her, but she made up her mind that she wasn't going to fall on her ass again. Shock set in as she realized that she wasn't on her butt…she was several feet back, having stumbled, but she was still standing. "Good…now again."
He didn't let up on her, slowly increasing the strength of his shoves as she learned how to manipulate her magic around her to form a shield of protection. Her ego was bruised six ways to Sunday when he finally let her have a break.
"Not bad for your first lesson," a weak smile lit her face as she panted for breath that had become a luxury about a half hour ago. "But," her breath hissed out at him, causing him merely to grin with abandon. "But you still need work."
"Duh." This time she couldn't help the snippy remark, but they both smiled at the progress she had made, knowing that if Medb tried this again, she would at least only come out of it with bruises.
"Your Highness…?" The voice seemed very distant and Jareth disappeared from in front of her. Until that moment, Sarah had forgotten that they had been in a dream and were, in fact, asleep. Her eyes snapped open and spotted Blix across the room, looking a bit distressed as he gazed at her. "Are you okay, Lady Sarah?"
She scanned her arms and saw the bruises along them from when she'd fallen in the course of protecting herself from Jareth's ruthless teachings. Sarah didn't need to SEE her ass to know that it would have a few battle wounds of its own to deal with over the next few days. Grimacing as she sat up on the couch, she lifted a hand of reassurance to Blix.
"Don't worry yourself, I'm fine." The goblin who had seen to so much for her still looked worried for her. "Just some rough training that needed to be done. I'm hearty, don't worry, I will be better in no time." That seemed to reassure him enough to have him turning back to Jareth, who had stood patiently awaiting why they had been interrupted.
"You have your meeting, sire," the goblin said as he bowed slightly to Jareth. Sarah couldn't understand the need for the constant bowing, but Jareth didn't seem to even notice it, so she passed it off as something that was simply…done.
"Yes, I will be with the council in a moment." That was Blix's dismissal and he knew it. Years of service to Jareth had trained the goblin well. "Sarah, I have to go, but I want you to keep thinking over what I taught you here. It will help you if-" she lifted her hand to his lips with a smile.
"Yes daddy." Her sarcasm earned her a perturbed scowl, but he leaned down and kissed her anyways.
"You are an eternal pain, surely you know that?" Sarah laughed as she sat back down on the couch, perusing the books Jareth had placed there.
"Of course I do, darling," she cooed, turning her eyes back to his with mischief dancing in them. "But," she paused for the dramatic impact and to let him scowl at her so adorably again, "if I were any different, you wouldn't love me." He pondered that a moment before nodding.
"True. I will be back in an hour. Don't get into too much trouble." She bit her tongue, knowing he had to go. They could keep up their sarcastic tirades all day, but not now.
"I promise." And she did, she thought as he left her to the books before her. They all seemed to blend together in a haze of dust jackets and yellowed pages. Each filled with the history of the land around her, something she promised herself that she would learn…eventually.
She had to learn it, she knew that. She couldn't very well be the queen of something that she knew absolutely nothing about no could she? As much as the thought of it bored her to salty, salty tears, she would learn about the kings of the past and what they had contributed to the kingdom she would be helping with.
It made her really think though, would she be in one of these books one day? Would some future queen somewhere down the millennia read about her? What would she read? Sarah hoped with all her heart that it would be a great tale of how Medb was conquered once and for all, never to torment the innocent of the Underground again.
She let her thoughts drift as she picked up another book entitled 'Great Deeds of Great Fiends'. After reading a few pages, she realized that it wasn't the kind of book she'd thought it would be. This was a book on practical jokers that had terrorized the courts with their antics over the years. Somewhere around page two-hundred and thirteen, Sarah found something that made her whole body perk up in a smile.
"Now that would be fun to use against dear old Medb."
Patience was far from being one of his virtues and especially not when he was angry and confused beyond all belief. What was Jeaule up to? She had traded something for possession of him, but what? And gods, why did he care!? Medb had basically sold him. It wasn't much of an act that he had put on in front of her, he was pissed that he'd been bartered for like an object.
How the hell did Medb even have the right to do something like that…? He wasn't her property. Perhaps he was in her eyes, simply a commodity that could be traded like a pretty piece of bangle jewelry. His eyes clenched shut at the thought of how he had appeared just that in all the time he had spent with her.
He had been nothing more than another adornment for Medb, he knew that now, but why was Jeaule doing that? It all stemmed from that happened at that party. When she had run from that room, something had changed. When he'd talked to her earlier, she's seemed upset, like she was about to cry just from seeing him.
What the hell had happened?
And why the hell was it causing her to make deals with Medb? He didn't know, but he was damn sure going to find out. The most confusing and, truthfully, infuriating part of the whole situation was the fact that he didn't know if he should be mad about what had happened. He loved Jeaule, didn't he?
Yes.
So why was he so mad that Medb had promised him to her? He should be rejoicing that she wasn't going to kill him and instead he was sitting here pouting and all because he felt so completely out of the loop. Cyric would just have to make sure that he was brought up to speed. He only had to wait for her mag-.
The cool spring breeze that smelled of jasmine and vanilla swept over his senses. It was her, her magic, she was finally answering him. He could feel the tentativeness and the worry staining the pure feel of her magic. Good, he thought, perhaps a bit insensitively, at least she feels bad. The communication crystal appeared with a wave of his hand.
"Are you finally alone?" He knew that his voice held irritation in spades, but that's exactly what he was…on so many levels. Her eyes dropped from his, worry draining her cheeks of even its natural rosy tone.
"Yes," she muttered. It was obvious that the poor thing had no idea of how to deal with him. Her eyes pleaded with his even as they avoided his gaze. It confused and aggravated him all the more.
"So, you bartered for ownership of me did you?" Even as he spoke at her with his harsh tone and his cold words, his mind berated him for being so callous and not simply asking her what was going on.
"I had to, it's all a part of my plan. I-"
"I am sick to death about hearing of plans." He bit off her words, didn't notice the tear slip down her cheek. "If you can't trust me with what is going on then…" his voice trailed off, unsure of what was coming next. "I don't know." He watched the sad face of the woman he loved nod slowly, this time saw the tear slip from her tawny eyes.
"I understand why you are upset, I would be too if I were in your place." One small, but elegant hand came up and wiped the tears from her eyes. "I wanted to tell you earlier about all that has happened, but my sister walked in."
"So what?" He didn't care any more if people knew that they were in love, least of all her own sister.
"She is the worst, I will tell you, are you able to come to me?" Need stirred in him, not only for her, but for knowing that she wanted to tell him. She wanted him to know what was going on, she needed him.
"Yes, I'll come now." Another tear slipped down her cheek, but this one, he knew, was happy because he was coming…and that he wasn't acting the tyrant anymore. He teleported to her room, knowing it well now. The Spartan décor was charming in its simplicity. His favorite part though was the simple charm of the single pink Labyrinthine rose in a slender white vase. The bed was even uncomplicated, he thought with a smile as he glanced at the small double bed.
Not even queen sized. Not his Jeaule, she would be practical. She didn't need something that big for just herself. The sheets were drawn over it perfectly, not a wrinkle to be seen. He wondered shortly if she did it because she liked everything this way or if it had just been drilled into her all her life that she wasn't worth beauty, elegance and a little extravagance.
She was.
"So," he started, already calmed slightly now that he was in her presence. The worry etched on her face made the guilt swim to the surface of his emotions. He really should have trusted her and not blown up at her, but he couldn't go back in time. Hopefully, she would forgive his stupidity. "What's going on Jeaule?"
He watched, stuck between amusement and intrigue, as she composed herself into the prim and proper Jeaule he'd first met, pleased that the fire was still in her eyes. That's what beguiled him the most about her, he had to admit that. Her ability to have this burning passion within herself that seemed to all but scream to get out at times and the other side of her, the docile little mouse that was content to sit and draw for hours.
She was a wonderfully complicated woman that he couldn't wait to spend all his time with, if simply to watch the different emotions swim over her face while her body and movements remained calm and composed. He knew that once they were free of the confines of secrecy, he would have fun goading her in public just to see if he could get that captivating proper shell of hers to break.
"Cyric…?" Her voice broke through his thoughts, she was sitting on the edge of her bed, hands folded in her lap, brows raised in question at his mental absence.
And he'd be damned if he didn't say that the desire coiled in his belly in a flash.
Cyric sat next to her on the bed, careful not to touch her, lest he desire more than she was willing to give yet. But, by the gods that would be difficult if her scent kept caressing him like that. He knew the touch of her skin now and couldn't help thinking if the rest of her was as soft and tempting. He knew the taste of her now, the sweet honey of it, and wondered if the rest of her was as delightful a feast.
"You really aren't here are you?" Her voice was light and teasing as he focused on her face again.
"I'm sorry, can I do one thing so I can get it off my mind?" His voice was low and almost desperate, something he'd never been in his life and it humbled him that she brought that out. Her eyes narrowed slightly in question as she bit her lip.
"Depends on what you want to do." He smiled slowly and brought her hand to his lips, kissing her fingers gently.
"I would never ask something of you that you weren't willing to give yet Jeaule." His thumb rubbed softly over her knuckles as he leaned towards her. "I merely wanted another kiss." His lips brushed her cheek, a mere whisper of contact. "I can't stop thinking of the last one."
He felt her skin heat under his lips and smiled, bringing his hands to her face. Her eyes caught his, desire and a little nervousness mixing enticingly in their tawny depths. As his lips touched hers he was stunned that it packed as much punch as the first time he'd kissed her. Would it always be like this with her? Would there always be this stunning blow of sweet desire every time he touched her?
Gods, he hoped so.
He pulled back from her, reluctantly admitting that if he didn't stop, the bed would be too great a convenience. Hands had to be placed on eager shoulders as she tried to lean forward for another kiss. With a shaky laugh, Cyric ran a hand through his hair.
"Love, if you don't stop now, I'm going to do thing to you that you make you blush all over." When she did just that at the thought, he couldn't help but pull her close for one more kiss. "Ok," he stated, pulling back and promising himself not to lean in again, "now that I have absolutely no blood left in my head, why don't you tell me what's going on?" Her smile was one of a woman who was pleased she was learning her power over him.
He loved it.
As she told him what had happened since she'd run from the party, it took every bit of control he had not to run from the room and throttle that little bitch she had the displeasure of calling a sister. Medb was no better, taking Jeaule on like that when it was plain the girl cared nothing for her plans, only for her sister…a nice credit to Jeaule's acting abilities.
"I guess I might have messed things up a little with my fit, huh?" Her smile was devious as she shook her head.
"Actually, I'm quite glad you are such a bonehead," she laughed as she kissed his cheek and stood to cross the room. "Because you are, it got me what I ultimately wanted from Medb without even having to ask for it." His brow knit as he watched her glide across the room. When she opened her desk drawer and pulled out the frosted pink bottle, he jumped up from his seat, not needing her to tell him what it was.
"She just GAVE it to you?" He snapped his fingers, "Like that?" Jeaule nodded again, a bit mystified, but completely pleased. Cyric crossed the room to her and pulled her off her feet into a spinning hug. "You amazing, wonderful girl!" His lips melded to hers again as she laughed under them.
"Calm down you," she teased as she slid from his arms. "I still have to go see Sarah and Jareth about everything that happened. My sister wouldn't shut up when we got home." Jeaule rolled her eyes, much to his delight. "I want you to come with me, we can call the healer in there to fix you up." He brought her hand to his lips again, brushing over them lightly and smiling at her.
"I will never be able to thank you enough." Her eyes lit as she gripped his hand in hers.
"You will have quite a long time to try."
"I love you, Jeaule." He was shocked as the words came from his mouth, but didn't retract them, merely soaked the meaning in. He truly loved this girl. His strange Jeaule who seemed so many different people rolled into one.
His Jeaule.
Her eyes didn't well with tears as many other girls might have, but they shone with a golden brilliance that dazzled him. "I love you too, Cyric." Neither would have thought that somewhere, there was a goddess wondering why the hell they could say it so easily and two others danced around it in intricate circles.
Morrigan had had it about up to her eyeballs with these two. Jareth and Sarah had professed their love to one another, made love like it was going out of style and got bored and pouty if not in each others company. Why couldn't they simply say the WORDS that they needed to?
Because that would be to easy, Morrigan thought with an aggravated sigh as she ran an agitated hand through her fire gold hair.
She watched as Jeaule and Cyric…now there were two beings who could fall into line with destiny…went to see Sarah and Jareth. The potion bottle in the girl's hand made Morrigan smile. If there had been a way for her to give it to them herself, she would have done so long ago. The two had been destined for each other long ago.
So different and yet so perfectly suited to each other.
They were Sarah and Jareth's mirror and were supposed to be examples for the two stubborn idiots. Still though, as Jeaule and Cyric sat there and the healer did his job, the two dunderheads seemed non-pulsed by their ardor for each other. It was wonderful to see Jeaule wrap her arms around Cyric as the healer proclaimed him officially cured of the potion.
"Don't you ever get tired of spying on others, my love?" Dagda came up from behind her, attempting to pull her attention from the orb that had held it captive for over a month now. He was tired of sharing his wife with the lives of these people. "This is worse than one of those soap operas that human housewives get so addicted to." It pleased him when his wife's fiery temper turned on him. He adored seeing her so worked up, it was like a great lioness in a kitten's body.
"This is a bit more important than those silly things." She didn't want to admit that from time to time, she liked to watch in on those too, as ridiculous as they were. Though, she wouldn't have had to, he knew.
"I know that you are worried for them darling, but you have to trust them." His smile was infectious and he knew it. Wrapping his arm around his wife, he almost got her away from the orb when something caught her attention.
"I think it's time to give Medb a little of her own medicine." It had been the girl, Sarah's voice and it had sounded as mischievous as it had lethal. Steeling his grip on his wife's shoulder, he walked her away from the orb, silently wishing them all the luck he could offer.
(A/N: OMG…long chapter!! Longest ever, by a LONG shot, but oooooh so much frickin' fun to write!!! I hope you all enjoyed the intricate goodness and lovely bits. I love you all and thank you for making this story even more fun for me. I hit over 100k words for this one now…party time again!
REMEMBER…Reviews are like a drug to me…I LIVE for them!
No Jeaule diary this week…didn't think it really needed it.
Those who are DEFINITELY invited to the 100k word bash are those who reviewed last week and brightened my days! BattleofEvermore (I am waiting for them to say it too for god's sake!), BookwormBrea- (Always love how adamant your reviews are!), darklady26- (You know as always that you are a HUGE inspiration for this story, much love always hun!), harleyteen- (Lovely to have you back and reviewing!), notwritten, saz89- (I am so beyond adoration for you because you love and understand my Jeaule as much as you do!), The Banshee's Tears- (I know…I am so mean with the cliffhangers. Not so much of one in this chapter though, hope that helped!)
Love to all my readers!)